Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics ($49.99)
For fans of Marvel, Capcom, and the vibrant fighting games of the 1990s, the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a dream come true. The journey began with the exceptional X-Men: Children of the Atom, setting the stage for a series that only got better with each installment. From the expansive universe of Marvel Super Heroes, to the groundbreaking crossovers with Street Fighter in Marvel vs. Capcom, culminating in the wildly entertaining Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Capcom continuously raised the bar. This collection brings these classics together, and adds the icing on the cake with Capcom’s thrilling Punisher beat 'em up. It’s a comprehensive package that celebrates some of the greatest games in the genre.
The collection mirrors the successful approach seen in the Capcom Fighting Collection, offering similar features and extras. However, one downside is the shared single save state across all seven games, which can be frustrating, especially for the Punisher where you might want to save progress independently. Despite this, the collection excels in other areas. It includes a variety of visual filters, gameplay options, and rich extras like extensive art galleries and a music player. The inclusion of rollback online multiplayer enhances the experience, and the NAOMI hardware emulation ensures that Marvel vs. Capcom 2 looks and plays beautifully.
While I would have appreciated the inclusion of some home versions, such as the PlayStation EX versions of the tag-team games or the Dreamcast's Marvel vs. Capcom 2 with its fun extras, the focus on arcade classics remains true to the collection's name. This is a well-curated set that respects its roots, making it a must-have for fans of Marvel and fighting games alike. The games are treated with care, offering a robust suite of options and extras. Despite the save state issue, this collection is a stellar addition to any gaming library, particularly on the Switch.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Yars Rising ($29.99)
Initially, I approached Yars Rising with skepticism. As a fan of the classic Yars’ Revenge on the Atari 2600, the idea of a Metroidvania-style game featuring a hacker named Yar seemed like a stretch. Yet, WayForward has delivered a solid game that, while not perfect, is certainly enjoyable. The game looks and sounds great, with well-designed map layouts that keep you engaged. The only notable downside is the somewhat lengthy boss battles, typical of WayForward’s style, but they don’t detract from the overall experience.
WayForward deserves praise for their effort in linking this game to the original Yars’ Revenge. The game frequently incorporates Yars’ Revenge-style sequences, and the abilities you gain are reminiscent of the classic game. While the connection to the original lore feels forced at times, it's an admirable attempt to bridge the old with the new. The game seems to straddle two very different audiences, which might not be the most effective approach, but it doesn't diminish the fun of playing it.
Despite my initial doubts, Yars Rising is a good Metroidvania game. It may not be the best in its genre, but it offers a satisfying experience for those looking to explore a new game over a weekend. It’s a testament to WayForward's ability to create engaging games, and it leaves room for potential sequels that could feel more natural within the Yars universe.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)
While I'm not a die-hard Rugrats fan, having watched it occasionally with younger siblings, I was curious about Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland. The game surprised me with its crisp visuals, which seemed even sharper than the TV show. The controls felt a bit off initially, but an option to adjust them was a welcome feature. The familiar Rugrats theme song set the right nostalgic tone, and the gameplay involved collecting Reptar coins and navigating simple puzzles and enemies.
As I played, I noticed something intriguing about the characters' abilities. Tommy's jump felt reminiscent of another classic game, and switching to Chuckie, Phil, and Lil confirmed my suspicions. This game draws inspiration from the Western Super Mario Bros. 2, with characters having unique abilities like high jumps, low jumps, and floating. The gameplay involves picking up and throwing enemies, stacking blocks to reach higher places, and digging in sand, all hallmarks of the beloved classic.
The game also offers a delightful nod to other platformers, but its core mechanics are inspired by a classic that often goes uncelebrated. The boss battles are engaging and fun, and the ability to switch between modern and 8-bit visuals and soundtracks adds a nice touch. The only drawbacks are the somewhat short length and simplicity, along with the initial control issues.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It’s a well-crafted platformer that honors its source material while offering a fun, Super Mario Bros. 2-style experience. It’s a bit on the short side, but it’s definitely worth playing for fans of platformers and Rugrats alike.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
